Ellington

The latest attempt to pass legislation establishing charter schools met defeat in the Mississippi House moments ago. House members voted to send HB 1152, which had been modified to include language from a Senate charter school bill that didn't even make it out of the House Education Committee, to a conference committee where it will likely die. Lt. Gov. Reeves, who, along with the state's other top Republican leaders, has pushed for a charter bill all session called the House vote disappointing.

In a statement, Reeves said: "I am disappointed the majority of the members of the House did not agree with the Senate's plan to bring meaningful changes to Mississippi's educational system. Children trapped in failing school districts deserve an opportunity for success, and any further changes would only weaken the effort to give parents a choice in their children's education. I look forward to passing real education reform next year."

Gov. Phil Bryant, who also supports charter schools, indicated he might extend the legislative calendar by calling a special session to compel lawmakers to pass a charter bill.